How do I become a Radiation Therapist

A Radiation Therapist is a medical professional who works with oncology teams and provides individualised treatment plans to shrink or remove cancers and tumors in their patients. They utilise medical imaging equipment, monitor treatment progress, and offer support to patients and their families.

There are multiple entry routes to the Radiation Therapy profession:

  • Undergraduate BSc in Radiation Therapy, Honours Degree
  • NFQ Level 8 course in Sciences or a Health Sciences related discipline plus MSc Radiation Therapy university degree

CORU, the regulatory body will provide you information on approved qualifications. Additional information on the profession can be found on the Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy website or by visiting the Careers Portal

If you have qualified outside of Ireland, you will find further information here

Your role with the HSE

Radiation Therapists are the group of professionals with direct responsibility for the administration of radiation therapy to cancer patients, including the technical delivery of the radiation dose. They play a key role within a Multidisciplinary healthcare team.

A Radiation Therapist is an expert oncology healthcare professional with clinical responsibility for precise administration of radiation therapy, as prescribed by radiation oncologists.

The role is crucial in the rehabilitation, treatment planning, management, treatment, and aftercare (survivorship) of various types of cancer and other medical conditions that require radiation therapy. They are often the main point of contact with patients during their visits to radiotherapy.

Career Progression

There are many ways for you to progress in your career:

  • Become a Senior Radiation Therapist or a clinical specialist.
  • Specialise in a specific areas, CT-Sim/L.A.

Career Progression Pathways:

Clinical Pathway

  • Staff Grade Radiation Therapist
  • Senior Radiation Therapist
  • Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist

Management Pathway

  • Radiation Therapist Service Manager I
  • Radiation Therapist Service Manager II
  • Radiation Therapist Service Manager III

There are also opportunities available for educational roles (Educational Pathway) across the Health and Social Care Professions.

Further training and development

There are many ways of deepening your skills pertinent to your role as a Radiation Therapist within a specific setting. This can be achieved, for example, through postgraduate training or clinical courses. Specific clinical courses vary greatly and accessed through the body offering such training after the discussion and agreement with your manager. Some of the courses are free and some are fully or partially funded by the organisation you work for, IIRRT or the HSE HSCP office. Visit CPD for Radiation Therapists where you can see examples of what the IIRRT offers to its members for Professional Development.

CORU offers guidance and support to Radiation Therapist’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Information on education and development can be accessed by visiting the HSCP Hub on HSELanD, the HSE’s training portal.

Staff benefits and testimonials

Working in a rewarding and challenging career is just one of the many benefits you’ll enjoy as a HSE employee. We offer attractive pay and benefits, professional supervision, career support and development opportunities, friendly colleagues, and an excellent quality of life.

See Pay scales – HSE Staff

Please click on the below links to find out more about different Radiation Therapy roles:

Alicia O’Leary – Radiation Therapist – Hillman Clinic